“Between Jennings and Jones”: Jamey Johnson, Hard-Core Country Music, and Outlaw as Authenticating Strategy

Abstract

In this essay, I examine how country artist Jamey Johnson rhetorically transformed himself from Nashville hopeful into a “hard-core,” “authentic” country outlaw. By associating himself with the original 1970s outlaw movement and including folklore elements of the American outlaw-hero in his songs, Johnson was successful in rhetorically crafting a “double outlaw” persona. This essay is the first scholarly examination of Jamey Johnson and his music. In addition, this essay provides an opportunity to study the rhetorical dimensions of the country outlaw as well as examine key rhetorical strategies employed to create an authentic, hard-core country artist.

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